Milestone Moments this Saturday

Milestone Moments this Saturday

Henry Mikkelsen, Lochie Creagh, Matt White and Nick Marshall are due to celebrate their impressive milestones this Saturday against Manly.

Henry, Lochie and Matt will all make their 50th appearance for Norths, along with Nick who will make his staggering 100th. This Saturday will no doubt be a memorable day for all players, who are hopeful to grab the win for their respective sides. While winning against rivals, Manly, will make it just that little bit sweeter.

The powerful back rower, Henry Mikkelsen, who plays in 5th grade, touched on the importance of the upcoming clash against Manly, while grabbing the win will be revenge for their previous loss.

“Manly knocked us out the finals a couple of years ago, in a game we could have won, so any win against them feels like it goes part of the way to getting a bit of revenge. I’m looking forward to getting out on the field, and putting our usual processes in place to get the W.

“Off field culture helps us to set the foundations for our on field performances. Pre season tours to Japan/Hong Kong and Tamworth have set a great base for the club to work off this season, which should prove the difference later on in the season,” said Henry.

Henry’s first game for Norths was in 2010 for the 3rd Colts and played junior rugby for St Ives. Studying a Masters of Chiropractic at Macquarie University, Henry additionally noted great and lasting friendships as one of the most important things he got out of his rugby.

Henry’s 50th will no doubt be celebrated with a gutsy effort by his fellow teammates to ensure they get the win. Henry outlined that the best part about playing for Norths are “the great people in and around the organisation, as well as the occasional night game.”

Approaching his 50th this weekend also is Lochie Creagh. The flying in-form winger has had a stellar year so far, and what more could add to the hype than boasting his 50th in Norths colours. Creagh began his rugby career playing for the Mighty Lennox Head Trojans at 6 years of age. Fast forward to Lochie’s first game with Norths in 2013, at the Seti Tafua Shield Match vs. Poneke in Wellington, New Zealand.

Like many Norths players, Lochie signified the importance of culture, while playing an integral role in the impressive performances of his side in the past weeks.

“The club culture would have to be the biggest thing i like about Norths, not just socially but also on the field and training mentalities as a group, each person is always trying to make you a better player and person.

“Off field culture certainly compliments your on field performances, through spending time with your teammates outside of rugby you become much closer as a team. We always work to do dinners after training sessions or meet up on non training days which has definitely contributed to our on field performances,” Lochie said.

While studying a Bachelor of Construction Management, Lochie detailed the perks of playing rugby and what it means for him to run out on Saturday.

“The best thing I get out of rugby is the friendships you develop, as soon as you join a rugby club you gain 50+ good mates. I just want to keep doing my role for my team at Norths, keep winning games and win more Shute Shield titles.

“It’s the top of the table clash, which means there will be some hype around the game which is exciting, but mainly I am just looking forward to running out there with the rest of my teammates and playing our style of rugby,” Lochie said.

Already reaching the 50 game mark and approaching his 100th on Saturday will be centre, Nick Marshall. Nick’s 4th grade appearance this weekend will definitely be one to watch as he looks to celebrate his milestone moment with an impressive outing.

A humble Nick Marshall talked about his lengthy and enjoyable time with Norths, along with the significance of reaching the 100 mark.

“My first game at Norths was in 2009 playing for 2nd Colts.

“The culture about Norths is definitely its defining quality. There were a couple of tough seasons about 3 or 4 years ago and even though it was hard going on the field, off the field the boys that were around were all still getting around each other and having a laugh.

“To me it means I’ve hung around long enough and haven’t played hard enough to get an injury causing me to hang up the boots,” Nick said.

Currently studying a sports massage course, Nick started playing rugby at 4 years old, in which he then reached the 100 game milestone for Wakehurst. Boasting plenty of on field experience, Nick touched on the importance of culture, playing rugby and his impressive upcoming milestone.

“I think its just as important if not more. If you’re having a good time off the field then when it comes to playing you’ll be more committed. The culture off the field also supports the rest of the teams from the hill/stands which is always a good day.

“Rugby stops me from getting fatter. If i didn’t play I’d be even more out of shape. Also gives me a few boys to have a couple bundy and cokes with on a Saturday. When I feel like the body is done playing I would enjoy giving coaching a crack and see how that goes.

“I might be playing against a couple of mates so definitely looking to get a win on Saturday,” Nick said.

Henry Mikkelsen, Lochie Creagh, Matt White and Nick Marshall’s performance on Saturday will be definitely one to watch, especially in Manly.

Be there from 10:45am at Manly Oval. It will be an unforgettable Saturday.